Virgil van Dijk admits Liverpool have a “big job” to replace Jurgen Klopp if the German steps down at the end of the season. Van Dijk must come to terms with Klopp's shock decision to retire once the current season is over. The Reds captain does not believe uncertainty over Liverpool's long-term future will affect their ambitions this season. They defeated Norwich 5-2 in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday in the first match since Klopp's announcement. But he knows Liverpool will have to do well if they choose Klopp's replacement. “The club faces a big job, that is known,” said Van Dijk.
“To replace not just the manager, but the entire staff, there are so many things that will change.
“I'm very curious to see which way that goes, but when that is announced, we will see our situation.
“It will be the end of the Jurgen Klopp era. I'm still part of it and that's why I don't like to talk about it. That's my main focus.
“Hopefully we will have the success we all dream of and by then there will probably be more clarity about what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”
Asked if he saw himself being part of the next era, Van Dijk added: “That's a big question. I don't know.”
Bigger tests await Liverpool on Klopp's farewell tour, with Chelsea visiting on Wednesday before heading to Arsenal next weekend.
Dutch defender Van Dijk, 32, insists there will be nothing different in Liverpool's approach as the Premier League leaders hunt for silverware in four competitions.
“Nothing has really changed. Obviously things will change at the end of the season and in the new season, but at the moment that is not the case and we have to keep doing the same things,” he said.
“It's easier said than done, but I feel the rest of the boys feel the same way and it's up to me to make sure we keep it that way.
“We are all human and we have emotions; some players think differently about the manager's announcement than others.
“That's completely normal because everyone thinks in a different way, but I haven't noticed a drop in professionalism or standards.
“The training I have seen in recent days has been no different than before.”
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